Paul Arnold knows a football career can end in a split second. That's why he has plans for his post-football future.

"I want to own my own business," Arnold said. "I want that freedom. Maybe it'll be grocery stores or an espresso stand. But I'm going to own something and be successful."

Arnold can own the hearts of UW football fans if he helps the Huskies to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1993.

Arnold, a sophomore, will be UW's starter at tailback.

Many Husky fans expect Arnold -- considered one of the nation's top prep running backs two years ago -- to provide the team with a breakaway threat.

Arnold's always been fast -- clocked at 4.33 in the 40 -- but now he's also strong after spending last winter in the weight room. He has bulked up to about 205 pounds.

"He is bigger, stronger, faster and now knows what is happening at this level," said UW running backs coach Wayne Moses. "Now it's time for him to be the veteran player."

Arnold, who played high school ball at Kennedy High in the Seattle suburb of Renton, arrived at the UW last fall as the most highly sought after player to sign with the Huskies since Brock Huard in 1995.

Paul Arnold may be the best back at UW since Napoleon Kaufman.(Allsport)

Arnold whetted everyone's appetite last season when he ran back a kickoff 100 yards in his second game against Air Force -- the longest kick return in UW history.

He saw spot duty at running back, getting his 251 yards on 40 carries in 1999. He had a 27-yard TD run at Arizona and an 80-yarder against Washington State.

Coach Rick Neuheisel admitted he probably should have used Arnold more. Many UW fans agreed.

Arnold, though, stayed out of the fray.

"I got enough playing time," he said. "I felt like there were good guys in front of me. I can't complain." This year, though, he knows more is expected.

"I figure if I meet my own expectations and don't let the team down, I'll be fine," he said.

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